'My father was a Chinese spy': Jackie Chan reveals a big secret and his real name

Jackie Chan recently shared that he learned his father was a spy when he was in his forties. The actor, now 71, disclosed this personal detail during an interview with People magazine. He also discussed his discovery of his real surname and spoke about a documentary that explored his family's hidden history.

Actor speaks about family secret

During the interview, Jackie Chan showed a family photo and said, “That’s my father and my mom. I cannot remember how old I am at the time.” He then recalled a moment in his forties when his father, Charles, revealed the truth while they were in a car.

Jackie Chan's Real Name

“My father was a very handsome guy, and my father was a spy. I got to know my father’s secret when I was 40 something... One day, I was driving my car and my father suddenly said, ‘Son, I'm old. I might sleep and never wake up’... I have a secret to tell you... You are not Chan. Your original name is Fang,” Chan said.

The actor said he was “very shocked” by the revelation and felt unable to listen to the full explanation at the time.

A documentary revealed more

In 2003, Jackie Chan commissioned a documentary titled Traces of the Dragon: Jackie Chan and His Lost Family. The film explored how his father worked as a government spy during the Chinese Civil War in the 1940s. The documentary also revealed that his mother, Lee-lee, had a hidden past as an opium smuggler and gambler.

From Hong Kong films to Hollywood

Jackie Chan began gaining global attention with his role in Rumble in the Bronx in 1995. His popularity grew after the 1998 release of Rush Hour, where he starred opposite Chris Tucker in a buddy cop comedy.

Jackie Chan Making a Return in Karate Kid: Legends

Chan has recently returned to the Karate Kid series with Karate Kid: Legends. He appears alongside Ralph Macchio, who also reprises his role. The film follows a new young martial artist, played by Ben Wang, who trains under the guidance of Chan and Macchio’s characters.

The trailer shows action scenes from a martial arts academy and dramatic moments in New York City. Jackie Chan’s voice-over in the trailer says, "In life, you only have one question: Is it worth fighting for or not?"

The film released in India on May 30.